Observations on the structure and histololgy of the female genital system of the cattle tick Boophilus annulatus [SAY]

ABSTRACT

Female genital system of Boophilus annulatus was examined grossly on the day of drop-off from the host and grossly and microscopically on the 4th day. It consisted of an ovary, two oviducts, a common oviduct, a connecting tube, a seminal receptacle, a vagina divided into cervical and vestibular parts, two accessory glands and gene's organ. The ovary oocytes underwent an excessive growth during four days after drop-off from the host. Oocytes accumulated eosinophilic material during growth and underwent histological changes similar to those seen in other ixodid ticks